Moses Odubaju recently admitted on Instagram Live with Kevin Lisbie that Sheffield Wednesday players have been feeling the pressure this season and said he’s lost some enjoyment with football.
The 26-year-old’s comments haven’t gone down too well with supporters, however, as they’ve don’t believe he’s mentally strong enough to last at Hillsborough.
Odubajo said: “It’s been a tough journey so far in terms of being here. Obviously coming back from injury is never great for anyone but being at a big club with a big fanbase comes with big pressure.
“The players may not say it but they put pressure on themselves. If you go away to somewhere like Derby it feels like you’re playing at home because the away end is rammed!”
“I feel like for me, this quarantine has made me realise and reflect on things that I need to improve on. I need to get back to enjoying the game again, like when I was playing on the fields with my brothers. Because when I play like that, then I’m at my best.
“But I’m injury-free now and I’m just working on stuff in the gym. All is good, I’m fit, healthy and ready to go.”
Some fans in Owls Talk believe Odubajo’s comments highlight why Wednesday have been struggling in 2020 and don’t think the 26-year-old is good enough to play under Garry Monk.
IWEDFM: “Clearly lacks what is required to play for us. Complaining because we are a big club with a big fanbase and it’s too much pressure for him. This is why we are struggling. Too many players like him on our books that are simply not good enough and can’t handle the pressure of playing for a big club
Vulva: “Odabaju hasn’t been good enough. Simple as that.”
TheWookieIsDown: “Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to be good enough. But these are unobjectionable comments. Of course there is a lot of pressure as a professional footballer. More at Wednesday than at some other clubs. I don’t see him complaining about it.”
WalthamOwl: “We need mentally and physically strong players. Not players that crumble under pressure.”
Dutch McLovin: “Not so much blaming Monk specifically, but Odubajo was very good before signing for us. If Bruce was still here, I’d put money on Odubajo being a lot better than he has been.”
Mcmigo: “Can’t believe that a free transfer from Brentford isn’t world-class with the mentality of Messi.”
Hangonrose: “A middling player playing for a middle of the league club. Perfect storm….”
Odubajo has made 17 appearances in all competitions since joining the Owls from Brentford last summer, but his last outing came on February 1.
The 26-year-old has only made two appearances in 2020 and finds himself playing second-fiddle to Liam Palmer, so it’s understandable why fans are questioning if he’s good enough.
Odubajo has one year remaining on his contract and may have some work to do to stand a chance of getting a new deal in 2020/21.